Dom Howson column: Togetherness is the key to Owls ending mini wobble

As they have repeatedly demonstrated in one of the most unpredictable leagues in Europe, Wednesday’s players are prepared to put in the hard yards for each other.

The team are good friends off the pitch and socialise together whether that’s eating out at Nando’s or a shopping trip to Meadowhall.

They take the mickey out of each other, applauding one another’s success. When Fernando Forestieri spectacularly fired them in front against Bolton Wanderers last month, Ross Wallace, Barry Bannan and company celebrated by putting both hands on their heads in disbelief to mirror Forestieri’s reaction after Wallace’s thunderbolt against Fulham.

They just love playing and watching football. There was a cracking picture of Forestieri sat on his own in the stands at Hillsborough taking in a development match last week. It is great to see a senior pro such as Forestieri supporting the club’s youngsters and fringe players.

Some of the guys travel to and from work together. I know what you are thinking - many people car share across all walks of life for various reasons - but it still underlines that this squad enjoy each other’s company.

Wednesday have a tight knit bunch full of characters in Daniel Pudil, Sam Hutchinson, Bannan, Forestieri and Atdhe Nuhiu. There are quieter, more reserved individuals such as Kieran Lee and Gary Hooper who are also integral cogs in the team dynamic.

For creating the camaraderie and team spirit in the dressing room, head coach Carlos Carvalhal deserves big plaudits but Stuart Gray was instrumental in lifting the gloom, doing a sterling job with limited resources.

So far Carvalhal has delivered a masterclass in playing down expectations, stressing Wednesday remain “outsiders” for promotion and that there are still things they need to work on.

But after two patchy results and performances, has the Owls’ bubble burst? Surely defeat away to league leaders Hull City tonight would spell the end of the club’s faint automatic promotion hopes and may leave them clinging on to a play-off spot.

Hull are a formidable side in their own backyard.At Humberside, Wednesday’s squad must stand tall and together to end their mini wobble.